Pairing Kingsley Shacklebolt/Severus SnapeRating RWarnings Angst, embellishment of canon, severe lack of porny goodness by virtue of a massive fade to blackSummary"I know the situation is not ideal, Severus, but I would never leave you to suffer the consequences of my death by yourself. Kingsley will be your liaison with the Order, even after I am gone."Disclaimer The world of HP and its characters belongs to Rowling. The author of this fic has borrowed them for the purposes of storytelling. No profit was or will be made.Word count ~7,850Author Notesskitty_kat, you asked for Severus run ragged between Dumbledore and Voldemort, danger and darkness all around, and two men finding something better between them. I hope I managed to create something you'll enjoy! Happy Snapely Holidays!!

Severus did not slam the door behind himself. Futile pursuits had never held much appeal; besides which, the moving staircase leading down to the gargoyle rotated just that bit too fast for him to get the kind of grip on the door one would need to slam it. If one were so inclined.

Which he was not.

Fists clenched under cover of his long sleeves, Severus stepped crisply off the bottom step and strode through the castle, not allowing any expression but his usual dour demeanour. It was simply too bad that there weren't students around to cringe from him. That always served to lighten his mood considerably.

At the door to his quarters, he dropped the wards, issued the password, and stepped through, eyes scanning the room for any sign of trespass. Satisfied at finding his dust-charms undisturbed by the merest whiff of air or fingerprints, Severus reapplied the wards on his door and locked his Floo against incoming calls.

Settling into his favourite armchair with a sigh, Severus closed his eyes and rested his head against the back of it. Not more than a minute of blessed solitude passed, however, before the sound of the flames in his Floo whooshed and the clack of Albus' ridiculous heeled boots rang against the stones lining his hearth.

"I realise that the castle affords the Headmaster a measure of leniency with regard to the locked areas of the castle, however, one would think that a man attempting to convince another man to end his life might take into account the desire for privacy and bloody well stay away."

Slowly opening his eyes, Severus turned his head to glare at Albus, hoping the force of his wrath would send the blasted fool hurtling into the depths of hell. Severus nearly lost his ire at the highly melodramatic thought. Or perhaps it was the mental picture of Albus, garish purple robes streaming up to showcase spindly white legs whilst descending into a yawning pit of flames that brought his moment of light-heartedness. Severus contemplated this for a moment before Albus cleared his throat pointedly.

"Would you like some tea?"

"If I wanted a cup of tea, I'm perfectly capable of conjuring it myself. Or asking one of the witless creatures in the kitchens to fetch me a pot. As I have neither pot nor cup about my person, I will leave you to draw your own conclusions."

"Severus…"

A lifted eyebrow was enough to cut off Albus' pitying sigh.

"Did it occur to you that I might like a cup? And as your guest-"

"Guest: a noun. Referring to one who has been invited into one's home. Oh dear, would you believe that definition doesn't apply to you?" Severus clucked in mock sympathy. "That's really too bad. Perhaps, if you go back the way you came, you'll find a nice pot awaiting you in your office."

"Severus, I realise that you are upset with me-"

"Upset? No, Albus, I'm not upset with you."

"Intensely angry, then. Perhaps even… disappointed? But regardless, you surely realise how very important this is. I've spent my entire life working to defeat darkness where it exists in our world. If my death can be of benefit to the light… how can I not grasp that opportunity?"

"Your entire life, Albus? And how is Aberforth these days?"

Severus felt a moment of satisfaction at the way Albus' lips narrowed to a fine line before he stared bleakly at Severus.

"I should have expected that, Severus, but I will admit that I did not. I told you of my past, not so that you might throw it in my face, but so that you could one day understand that we each have the power to turn our lives around."

Severus looked away, his righteous anger edged now with self-loathing. "I still do not understand why you require this of me. Have I not done enough?"

"You have done more than any single person, living or dead, to defeat the threat that Voldemort poses to our way of life. But Severus, surely you understand that there is no one I trust as much as I trust you. I would that circumstances were different, but I am dying. No amount of your potions will delay that."

Severus' eyes were drawn irresistibly to Albus' blackened hand. "I could try a new formulation-"

"It won't help, Severus. At this point, it would only serve to prolong the pain I live with every day."

"Is that any reason to… oh, what is that charming word the Muggles use? Ah, yes. Is that any reason to euthanase you?"

"If it were only my life, I would allow you to pour your potions down my throat as long as possible. But you know as well as I that war draws closer with every heartbeat. It may be that the students we've sheltered and nurtured will one day have to make the choice to take a life or not, and I would prefer that-"

"I will not allow that little snot to kill you. No doubt he'd bugger it up left to himself-he has always depended upon the brutality of others to do his dirty work-but I will make sure he is not given the opportunity to harm even one hair on your head."

"And then what will become of him?"

Severus shrugged and waved a hand. "Let him become the Dark Lord's lapdog. I could not care less what becomes of Lucius' spawn."

"I know that to be untrue, Severus. I have seen the circles under your eyes as each of your charges has been Marked."

"Bloody little fools!" Severus' nostrils flared as the all too familiar feeling of helplessness engulfed him. "They think it's all a game, that nothing will touch them!" He stood quickly, pacing around the small room.

"I do not mean to stir up dark memories. Truly. However, if it is possible to salvage even one of their lives, I will take that opportunity. And I know you feel the same."

Severus clenched his jaw, avoiding Albus' steady gaze as he said quietly, "And what will become of me, your pet spy? Hmm? If I do this task for you… what of me?"

"Should the worst happen-if Voldemort triumphs-then you will be well placed."

"We both know the Potter brat will sacrifice himself. You've taught him too well. Even the Dark Lord cannot stand against that brand of foolish bravery."

Albus smiled gently. "If we are successful in pushing back the darkness now, you will find that you have the gratitude of the entire wizarding world. You will be noted for your bravery by generations to come."

"You're the fool now, Albus. No one knows. No one can know. If the knowledge of our pact were to fall into the wrong hands, this conversation would be a large waste of breath. I wouldn't live long enough to kill you."

"Leave that to me, my boy. Now… shall we have a spot of sherry?"

Severus curled his lip at the offer, even as Albus pulled a bottle of the too-sweet stuff from his robes. "No."

"Ah, Severus. One day you'll take pity on an old fool and unbend enough to have a drink with me."

Severus rolled his eyes even as he strode to his Floo and tossed some powder in, crossing his arms as he waited for Albus to take the hint.

"Very well. Have a pleasant evening, Severus."

"Oh, yes, I'm sure I shall." Sarcasm was obviously lost on the terminally cheerful, because Albus' eyes twinkled at twice their usual rate before he stepped into the green flames and directed the Floo to take him to his office.

~*~

"Severus, you will stay."

"Yes, my lord." Severus remained prostrate before the throne-like chair as the remainder of the Dark Lord's Inner Circle filed out quietly.

"What news have you of Potter?"

Hesitation was fatal; Severus did not allow more than a heartbeat to pass before he said, "My lord, the fool Dumbledore has spoken to me of his plans to gather the Potter brat from his relatives personally. If you allow it, I would be honoured to follow him and kill him before-"

"No. Let him collect the boy. We will not confront Dumbledore at this time. I have… other plans… for him."

Cold, dry fingers wrapped around Severus' chin, gripping it and pulling his head up to stare into the gimlet eyes of the Dark Lord. Slivers of pain penetrated his consciousness as Voldemort turned the full force of his Legilimency on Severus. Pushing a thick layer of memories to the forefront of his mind-the meeting he'd instigated with Albus wherein they'd spoken of the travel arrangements for Potter, random bits of daily trivia, a few dinners with the staff in the reduced-for-summer Great Hall-Severus allowed the Dark Lord to batter down the first of his shields.

"My lord," he gasped, for effect.

"Yes, I see." Settling back into his seat, the Dark Lord passed a pale, shaking hand over his eyes and said, "Must you make me take it from you every time?"

"I… my deepest apologies, my lord. I have used my training for far too long in the company of Dumbledore. I cannot simply turn it on and off at will."

"You have caused me pain, my child."

"My lord, I would take your pain if I-" Agony coursing through his veins locked Severus' jaw and he fell to his side, riding out the tide of the Cruciatus Curse. It went on and on, attacking nerve endings and burning through him until the pain overrode his body's commands and his mouth was wrenched open on a scream for mercy.

The sudden cessation of pain was in itself an assault on his senses, causing him to cry out once more. Before he could recover, the Dark Lord attacked. Again the fingers dug into his chin, jerking his head up, and the command to open his eyes was hissed at him in something so close to Parseltongue that Severus almost didn't understand it.

Survival instinct took over, though, and he slammed his mental shields into place before opening his eyes and staring fully into the face of the man who might one day decide he was no longer worth the danger of keeping alive.

"Legilimens!"

~*~

Severus limped from the front gate to the massive double doors of the castle. Pushing through them with difficulty, he stiffened his spine and walked with as normal a stride as possible to the entrance of the Headmaster's office. Leaning against the wall for support, Severus decided he was not in the mood to pander to Albus' silly penchant for all things sweet. Glaring at the gargoyle, he raised his wand and pointed it directly between what was surely meant to be the thing's eyes.

"Stand aside, you arrogant son of a mica pebble, or I'll blast you off your hinges."

The gargoyle glared at him balefully before shuffling to the side. It was a measure of the guardian's dislike of Severus that it refused to turn the staircase for him, forcing him to take the sixteen agonizing steps to the door at the top.

Not bothering to knock, Severus threw the door open and entered, glaring around the frippery-filled office before he found Albus kneeling in front of the Floo.

"Severus! Have a seat. We'll be with you in a moment."

Severus rolled his eyes, but did as bidden. He was simply too exhausted to argue at this point, his leg muscles twitching with a combination of lingering pain and the fatigue of travelling in such a physically reduced condition. Sliding gingerly into one of the chairs that faced Albus' desk, Severus directed a wordless transfiguration charm at the dish of candies resting on its top.

He smirked as a dozen or so moths flew toward the cabinet that housed Albus' spare robes.

It was then that he heard the whooshing sound that indicated the arrival of another person. Alarmed, he turned in his seat, ignoring his screaming muscles as he identified the newcomer.

"Ah, Severus, I apologise for the delay. I didn't expect you so soon."

Severus grimaced at that. Much later and he would likely not have returned at all.

"Severus, good to see you." The deep voice drew Severus' gaze to Kingsley Shacklebolt.

"Auror Shacklebolt." He felt himself gracious enough to incline his head in greeting, but he refused to put his still-spasming hand into the one thrust out for him. Ignoring it, he turned back to Albus and said, "I wasn't aware you had another meeting scheduled, Headmaster. Summon me when you are ready for me, if you will."

"Stay, Severus. Please. I invited Kingsley here to sit in on our meeting. He is fully aware of recent developments."

Severus stiffened at that, jaw clenching as he fought not to look at the man standing so close to him. "Indeed? Would that I had been consulted before such a decision had been reached."

"I know the situation is not ideal, Severus, but I would never leave you to suffer the consequences of my death by yourself. Kingsley will be your liaison with the Order, even after I am gone."

Severus shook his head, anger overriding his hold on his body so that he didn't notice how his limbs began shaking. "How dare you make such a decision? You will not be the one to suffer if word of your plan gets out! This merely reinforces the theory that two people can keep a secret only if one of them is dead."

"That is the plan, yes." Albus' calm reply did nothing to calm Severus' fury, but Shacklebolt's voice cut through the sudden tension.

"Why are we having this conversation now? Surely it can wait until after Severus receives medical attention."

"You are not. Do you think I'm so untrained that I don't recognise the symptoms of post-Cruciatus damage?"

"What? Severus, is this true?"

"No, Albus," Severus said dryly. "My meetings with the Dark Lord are all sunshine and roses. We sang songs around a campfire tonight, and there were unicorn rides for the young ones."

"Don't." The gruff command from Shacklebolt surprised Severus into momentary silence. "Do you have the Solacium potion to heal the nerve damage?"

Severus lifted one eyebrow and said, "Of course not. I have no facility with potions, after all, nor experience of repeated attacks with the Cruciatus Curse. Why would I have Solacium?"

"Severus! That will be enough. Go to Madam Pomfrey-"

Severus turned to sneer at Albus. "I will not. I have applied healing potions to myself more times than you care to know, Headmaster. I will do so again."

"No you won't."

Severus whipped his head around to glare at Shacklebolt for his impertinence, only to feel a hand at his back. "What do you think you are doing?"

"I can help you walk to your quarters or I can carry you to them. If I am forced to carry you, it will be because I've petrified you. Which option would you prefer?"

A curse rose to Severus' lips even as his wand slid into his hand, but his reactions were off. Before he could cast even a shielding spell, his limbs locked and he fell into Shacklebolt's arms.

As he listened to Shacklebolt accept Dumbledore's offer of the Floo, Severus planned his retribution.

~*~

Severus turned to Kingsley as soon as the Petrification Spell was removed and snarled at him. "Get. Out."

"I'm not leaving until you let me help you. Now, I have your wand, and I've gone through your stores to collect the Solacium." Kingsley held the potion up for Severus to inspect before continuing. "All you need to do is lie down and relax and I'll take care of everything else."

Severus narrowed his eyes. "Do you honestly believe that I would allow you to do something I won't even go to Madam Pomfrey-my personal Mediwitch-for? No, Shacklebolt. Put the potion down, return my wand to me, and leave. I will even attempt to remember your graciousness the next time you require a potion from me. It would be rather a pity if you find that you cannot question your captives under Veritaserum because you rely on me to provide a quality product."

"The Ministry has its own stores of Veritaserum."

Severus' smirk was designed to be evil. "The Ministry's Veritaserum is little better than plain water and you know it."

Kingsley sighed and ran a hand over his bald head. "Of course, Severus, but the point stands. I am going to help you, whether you want my assistance or not."

"My desires have never held any importance in my life; why should they do so now?" Severus turned away, walking aimlessly around the room as he trailed his fingers along a shelf here and a table-top there. "Why are you so concerned with doing this? Have you held a tendre for me all these years, Shacklebolt? Have you been secretly lusting after me? I had no idea, truly."

He turned his face just a fraction toward Kingsley as his hand landed nonchalantly on an obscure potion bottle. The pinched expression on Shacklebolt's face was enough to lend Severus extra strength as he hurled the bottle to the ground at Kingsley's feet. The resulting explosion and cloud of fumes was thick enough to blind Kingsley, which was Severus' goal.

Lunging forward, Severus was reaching for the closest pocket of Kingsley's robe when an air clearing charm sounded throughout the room.

"Fucking hell!"

Severus backpedalled quickly, whirling to place himself out of Kingsley's reach, but it was too late. One arm was gripped none too gently and twisted up behind his back even as a thickly muscled arm curled around his neck, nearly but not quite cutting off his airflow.

"Listen to me, Severus Snape! I am here to help you! Nothing less than that will satisfy me, so you may as well deal with it. Now, remove your robes and what clothing you're comfortable with, and lie down. I'll be happy to turn my back, but your wand stays with me until I am ready to leave."

Severus struggled and thought for a fleeting moment of attempting non-verbal magic, but the fact still remained that he did not have access to his wand. Any magic he might try without it would be less than effective and might even turn wild. Such a prospect was not recommended in the midst of as many volatile potions as he kept in his quarters.

"Fine," he spat. "I will have you know, however, that I've done this myself before and-"

"The point is that you don't have to now. I am here, I'm aware of the situation, and I'm willing to tie you down to get what I want. What I want is your health and safety. I would do this for anyone in my care."

"I am not in your care." Severus stumbled forward as he was released mid-struggle and spun to glare at the other man, one hand rubbing his shoulder where it throbbed slightly from his arm being twisted.

"You're a member of the Order as well as... Just lie down, Severus. Stop being a stubborn git and let someone do something for you. Just once, allow someone to care for you in the way you deserve."

Recognising Shacklebolt's intractability in his stance, Severus reluctantly removed his robes and lay down, holding himself stiffly on the bed when he sensed Shacklebolt moving toward him. Severus went rigid as the bed dipped and his body, a victim of gravity, shifted against a strong, warm thigh. He held his breath when he heard the cap being removed from the potion bottle, then the rasp of two hands being rubbed together, warming the potion to body temperature.

"Tell me," Shacklebolt murmured, and even though his voice was low and soothing, Severus still felt himself flinching. "I know Solacium heals the damage inflicted by the Cruciatus Curse. What I don't understand is why we can't use it on Alice and Frank Longbottom to cure them."

Severus turned his head to the side, attempting to look at Shacklebolt's face to discern the level of true curiosity there. "Solacium heals damage done to the peripheral nervous system. The Cruciatus Curse attacks from the outside, in. It affects the outermost nerves first. Imagine a loin of pork over an open fire. Or better yet, inside an oven that heats evenly on all sides. The outer layers cook first. That is how the Cruciatus curse works."

Warm hands pressed into the small of Severus' back, providing steady pressure before slowly working upward in small circles, rubbing an even amount of potion into Severus' aching body. The immediate relief made Severus sigh and relax into his mattress, his eyes closing as he continued. "The level of damage most suffer from the curse can be healed by the potion. Unfortunately, the Lestranges are rather more demented than your average psychopath. They kept the Longbottoms under the Cruciatus Curse for over twenty minutes."

A sharp hiss of breath caused Severus to nod awkwardly against the coverlet.

"Yes. Being subjected to the Cruciatus for such an extended period of time managed to not only nearly eradicate their peripheral nervous systems, but it did massive damage to their central nervous systems, as well."

Shacklebolt hummed interestedly as he started on Severus' arms, working the potion down to the very tips of his fingers before pausing. Severus, a suspicion nagging at him, opened his eyes and watched as Shacklebolt poured a bit of the opaque, viscous liquid into the palm of his hand before warming it.

"Weren't you a Ravenclaw?"

Shacklebolt's lips quirked at the corners before he shifted out of Severus' view and began to work the potion from the soles of Severus' feet to the tops of his thighs.

"I was."

"And you never thought to research a potion you are apparently quite familiar with? A potion you have used on your subordinates and, presumably, on yourself?"

Shacklebolt was quiet for a long moment before he asked, "I have used it and had it used on me, yes. Why do you ask?"

"You would make a very poor spy. You are entirely too transparent."

"Lucky for the Order we have you, then."

Severus hissed furiously and began to move, but Shacklebolt's hands gripped his thighs, holding him firmly to the bed. "Stop! I'm not mocking you."

Struggling, Severus levered himself onto his elbows and twisted his upper body to spear Shacklebolt with an angry glare. "Oh, of course not," he sneered, his voice brimming with sarcasm.

"Why do you refuse to believe that anyone can think highly of you? Albus gave me the highlights of the current situation, but I've seen firsthand the depths of your courage. You walk into hell of your own will, knowing what can and will happen if you are discovered. You've done it for years and received nothing but suspicion and, at times, ridicule. I'm in awe of you. I don't know anyone else who could ever once do what you've done countless times." Shaking his head, Shacklebolt relaxed his nearly-painful grip on Severus and said quietly, "Roll over so I can get your front."

Stiffly flipping to his back, Severus stared at the ceiling while Shacklebolt ran his large hands up Severus' legs, working bottom to top this time. Almost against his will, Severus felt his body relax once more as the lingering effects of the Cruciatus Curse were massaged from him by the enigmatic man who had so adamantly insisted on helping him.

"You speak of bravery. How brave is it to kill an old man? A wizard who has done more for this world…" He stopped speaking, turning his head to stare at the far wall as he tried to put into words the depth of horror he felt at Albus' request.

"The curse in the ring… it should have killed him."

Severus sighed as Kingsley worked the potion over his chest. "Yes. He's a bloody idiot for attempting to use personal magic to destroy a cursed item."

"You saved him?"

Severus shrugged. "When he appeared in my Floo, I happened to be sitting in front of it. My potions didn't eradicate the curse-nothing will do that-but they were able to stop the damage from spreading."

"You saved him, then."

"If you choose to believe so."

"There's a theory that many hold. It states that when you save a life, it's yours to do with as you wish."

Severus' eyes slid closed, allowing Kingsley to smooth the Solacium over his face and throat. "I have no desire to carry out his harebrained scheme."

"Then you, my friend, are the perfect person for him to have chosen."

Severus would have snorted, but the strong hands smoothing over his skin had managed to relax him into a nearly comatose state.

"Rest now, Severus. We will speak again when you wake."

~*~

Severus woke, as always, with a start. Where normally he had no reason, this time he felt the presence of another in his rooms. Quietly, he snuck his hand under his pillow, his standard hiding spot for his wand. When his searching fingers did not locate the familiar length of wood, he began to panic.

Slowly opening his eyes, he attempted to scan the room without giving away the fact that he was awake. The low voice that spoke his name softly made him first stiffen with alarm and then relax by slow degrees as he recognised it.

"Shacklebolt. Why are you still here?"

"I never left. You haven't actually been asleep long."

Severus kept the knowledge of his usual insomnia to himself, deciding instead to change the subject to something that concerned him more than the hours or minutes he'd been unconscious. "Where is my wand?"

"It is on the table next to you. I did tell you I would return it to you after you allowed me to help you."

"So you did."

"Why were you so dead set against receiving my help?"

"It isn't you. I simply do not require assistance from anyone."

He turned over, grimacing as he realised that he was still clad in only his pants. Pulling the blankets to his chest, Severus pushed himself into a sitting position and snatched his wand off the table. Fingers playing over the wood, he looked up and asked again, "Why are you still here?"

"I wanted to speak with you. Alone. You reacted badly when Albus explained that he'd brought me into the current situation. I want to know why."

Severus glared at Kingsley, unaffected by the calm expression he saw. "It was foolish and reckless of him. There is no reason for him to have told anyone about our agreement. He got what he wanted and he immediately betrayed my trust. I have no idea why I should have expected any less-"

"How did he betray your trust?"

"It was stupid of him to tell anyone what we... If you are captured, my position will be compromised." Severus threw back the covers and stood, needing to move. He threw open the doors to his armoire and selected a robe at random before facing Kingsley again. "I do not appreciate being in the position of never knowing whether my next summons will be the one to face my death." Severus, armour in place, looked across the small room to Kingsley, who was seated in a chair with a book in his lap. "This is not about you, Shacklebolt."

"Your reservations about my involvement are understandable, Severus. Were I in your position, I am certain that I would feel the same. However, your fear that I would give away your status is-" He shook his head, troubled gaze dropping to the floor as he obviously sought words that would reassure Severus.

"I am not afraid that you would simply tell a passing stranger, Kingsley. But the fact is that you would be a valuable captive, and as such, would be questioned by the Dark Lord himself. He doesn't resort to such tactics as Veritaserum, which is known to be fallible. He would pluck the knowledge from your head before you even knew he was there to take it."

Kingsley tilted his head. "I understand that he is a gifted Legilimens, Severus. However, you have not taken into consideration my ability with Occlumency."

Severus smirked condescendingly at Kingsley. "There are only a handful of people in the world capable of the sort of Occlumency that would be required to subvert an attack from the Dark Lord."

"Test me, then."

"What?"

"You've survived all this time in his service. If you're afraid that my shields are capable of being compromised, please feel free to attack them with the full strength of your Legilimency."

That gave Severus pause. He considered the offer for a long moment before saying, "And if you are not strong enough?"

"Then I give you permission to Obliviate me. If I don't meet your standards, I trust you to remove only the memories I have of your agreement with Albus."

Raising his eyebrow, Severus advanced on Kingsley, stopping only when his robes brushed against the other man's knees. "Agreed," he said, then raised his wand. "Legilimens!"

Severus peered into Kingsley's eyes, seeing nothing. A blank, grey wall, impenetrable, rose up in front of him. Focusing his mind on the thought of air, Severus tried to find any chinks in the wall, any tiny imperfections that would allow his consciousness through. As he felt his mind merging with Kingsley's barrier, it changed, becoming something fluid. Instead of the unyielding wall, Kingsley's mind bent and swayed under the force of Severus', but never allowed him through.

Intrigued, Severus tried harder. Again and again, he used brute force against Kingsley's shields until finally he pulled back, conceding defeat. For the moment.

"Very well. You are as skilled with Occlumency as you say. However, simply blocking access to your thoughts will not allow you to be released. The Death Eaters will continue to hold you and will wear at your physical self until your mental shields can no longer stand."

"You are suggesting that I give them something."

"Yes. The most difficult aspect is allowing him to see something of a sensitive nature, something that might satisfy him soonest. Yet something that would not prove detrimental to the cause. It is best if you allow him through the first time he attacks rather than have him believe that you are strong enough to withstand him."

"Allowing him even an inch would be too dangerous…"

"I have 'survived all this time in his service' because I do not allow him to know what a threat I am to him. He has no idea that I can block him totally because I allow him to believe that I am weaker than he is. Being the strongest person in the room will prove fatal if you come up against the Dark Lord."

Severus started with a stronger attack this time, battering at Kingsley's shields from every angle. "Let me in," he murmured and suddenly an image appeared in the depths of Kingsley's eyes. It was a meeting of sorts, a group of people Severus did not recognise seated around a table in... ah, Auror robes. The content of the meeting was unidentifiable but it seemed that there was no true professional reason for it. The air was too relaxed. Dismissing that, Severus went further, finding a new memory. Again, it was one that could be construed as important or not, depending on how one chose to view it. This time it was an Order meeting, though Severus was pleased to note that nothing about the location gave it away as Grimmauld Place or identified the few members of the Order that the Death Eaters were not already aware of.

"Very good," Severus said, withdrawing. "Though you might allow a few more personal, mundane memories through as well. It will provide a more genuine aspect."

Kingsley smiled, but it was narrow and secretive enough to put Severus on his guard when Kingsley said, "One more time, then?"

Narrowing his eyes, Severus accepted, though he prepared himself for anything. Waving his wand in the intricate pattern necessary to magic dealing with the mind, Severus murmured, "Legilimens!"

A table set with food appeared after a long moment of silent struggle. Pushing past that memory, Severus saw another one of Kingsley's hands pressing into pale flesh. Something about the memory disturbed Severus enough that he did not immediately discard it. Instead, he focused on that memory, allowing it to fill in, to expand.

The room was lit by a handful of candles and there was the sense of a conversation being had, but the words flowed around the memory in such a way that he knew them to be secondary to the actions, at least for Kingsley. His hands moved, spreading up the length of the pale back, his large, square hands contrasting beautifully with the long, lean lines of whoever he was-

Severus pulled out of the memory with a gasp as he saw one of the hands move, reaching for a blue potion bottle he was all too familiar with.

Kingsley gasped at the sudden cessation of Severus' attack and raised his hands to his head.

"My... apologies," Severus said quietly, studying Kingsley with something close to suspicion. He had no idea what to make of this memory. They had discussed very little the previous night that did not deal directly with the current situation.

"Think nothing of it," Kingsley replied. He settled back into his chair as Severus moved quickly to the far side of the room.

Linking his arms through the armholes of his robes, Severus stared quietly at Kingsley. "Would you care to explain?"

"Is explanation necessary? You said I should use a more personal set of memories. I did."

Severus pressed his lips together. "I was identifiable in that-"

"Excuse me, Severus, but no. You weren't." Kingsley reached across to the small table, placing the book he'd been holding onto its surface before standing and smoothing his clothing. Severus watched him through narrowed eyes as he began very deliberately crossing the room toward Severus. "I know exactly what I gave you in that memory. There was nothing that would identify you-"

"It was my potion."

"It was a potion. Your name was not on it."

Severus raised his chin, tightening his grip on his arms.

"Relax, Severus. If you hold yourself so tensely, you'll do more long-term damage to your body than the Cruciatus Curse ever could." Shaking his head, Kingsley said, "Have a good evening. I'll see you at the next Order meeting, or your next debriefing. Whichever comes first, I suppose."

"I never said I trusted your Occlumency skills. Why should I allow you to leave here with your memories intact?"

Kingsley laughed, crossing into Severus' small living room. "We both know my skills aren't in question."

"Hmph."

Severus watched through narrowed eyes as Kingsley let himself out, the rich sounds of his laughter seeming to echo through the room for several minutes after he'd gone.

~*~

Severus opened the door when his wards alerted him to Kingsley's presence. He blocked the entrance to his quarters with his body as he sighed wearily and said, "It does me no good to remind you that I don't need your help, but I shall once again attempt to impress this knowledge upon you."

Kingsley smiled slowly. "You know, a smart man would give up fighting with me. We've had this discussion dozens of times and you're well aware that I'm not willing to go anywhere until I've seen to your health."

Severus huffed in disgust, but yielded regardless, backing away and allowing Kingsley entrance. "Simply because you are a stubborn idiot-"

"Stop arguing and strip."

Severus crossed his arms and lifted one eyebrow. "That's it, no foreplay? Tsk, tsk. And here I was under the assumption that you were famous for your bedroom skills."

"No, you weren't. I specifically choose my lovers for their discretion."

Severus pursed his lips even as his fingers quickly navigated the long row of buttons down the front of his robes. Stripping the thick cloth from his shoulders, Severus took a moment to consider the changes Kingsley had wrought to his previously solitary life. In the first few weeks after Albus had included Kingsley in their pact, Severus had been surprised to return from meetings with the Dark Lord to find Kingsley waiting upon him with a bottle of Solacium. After the fifth such occurrence, his surprise had transformed into a sense of resignation even as he continued to argue against the need for help.

Now, nearly a year after the formulation of their pseudo-partnership, Severus found himself capable of actually relaxing in the presence of this man, secure in the knowledge that not only would his body be healed when Kingsley left, but that an intelligent conversation would have been had in the interim.

Unlikely though it might be, Severus felt certain that somehow, against all odds, he'd managed to form a friendship with Kingsley.

Stretching out onto his bed, Severus immediately found the most comfortable position and waited for Kingsley to join him. The tilt of the bed was utterly familiar now as Kingsley sat, and the feeling of a strong thigh pressing against his hip did not make Severus stiffen as he had those first several times they'd done this.

Strong hands kneading his shoulders made his eyes slide shut in bliss, and Severus was well on his way to a state of total relaxation when he heard Kingsley speak. "The muscles in your neck are knotted. Did you have a difficult class today?"

Severus groaned as Kingsley used his fingers to massage the knots out before returning to his original task. "No more than usual."

"Then what's wrong?"

Severus sighed, eyes opening as he attempted to force his thoughts to sharpen. "Something is coming." He shook his head, irritated with himself at his own lack of clarity. Kingsley's hands continued to work, not pausing even a moment in smoothing the pain from Severus' body.

"How do you mean?"

"The meeting tonight. There was a sense of… anticipation in the air. The Dark Lord was eager, as excited as I've only seen him once before."

"When was that?"

"The night Pettigrew told him where Lily-and Potter-were hiding."

Kingsley's hands stilled on his skin for a long moment before he pulled away to pour more potion on them. "Have you heard anything?"

"No. He is keeping his information to himself this time. I'm almost certain it has to do with whatever Draco Malfoy's task is, but I can't be certain. The boy did not appear to be feeling any measure of relief in my class today."

"Perhaps he doesn't feel he has a reason to be relieved."

Severus snorted, eyes unfocused as he turned his thoughts inward. Something was coming, and it was coming soon. He would wager his life on it.

A chill traced down his spine as he considered that he already had.

"Turn over."

With a sigh, he complied, immediately using his new position to study Kingsley's face. Something new, some expression he'd never seen before, gave him pause. Tilting his head on the pillow, Severus watched Kingsley as the man slowly and methodically spread the Solacium along Severus' legs, torso, and arms.

A kernel of desire formed in the pit of Severus' belly, expanding outward with every stroke of Kingsley's hands on his skin. Their eyes met as Kingsley's movements slowed, his fingers barely trailing over Severus' skin. Time stretched thin; the fire popping in the other room caused them both to start.

Kingsley pulled back and drew a deep breath before applying a final layer of potion to his hands. Severus stared quietly as Kingsley gently smoothed it into his throat first before murmuring quietly, "Close your eyes."

Severus did, though his mind whirled. When the gentle, almost caressing motion of Kingsley's hands finished with his face and ears, Severus opened his eyes and captured Kingsley's wrist in one hand.

"You haven't finished," he said quietly.

A short exhalation was Kingsley's only reply, but when he blinked and made to move away, Severus tightened his grip and insisted, "You haven't finished."

"There is only one other…" Voice trailing off, Kingsley's eyes dropped to Severus' groin, where the thin material of his pants did little to hide the evidence of Severus' slowly hardening cock. Licking his lips, Kingsley nodded, appearing to be almost hypnotized as he splashed a minute amount of the potion onto his hand and warmed it briskly.

Hands nearly shaking with a combination of nerves and anticipation, Severus pushed his pants to his knees before kicking the cloth to the floor. "You promised to heal me," he whispered, slightly discomfited at how deep and needy his voice had gone.

Kingsley nodded, a smile slowly lifting the corners of his lips even as he raised his gaze again to Severus'. Hands settling onto Severus' thighs, Kingsley applied the barest amount of pressure, encouraging Severus to open for him. Unable to bear the expectancy of the moment, Severus closed his eyes as he parted his legs, bending them and planting his feet into the mattress as he willingly gave Kingsley access to… everything.

Kingsley's feather-light touches started high on Severus' inner thighs, smoothing potion into them before circling up over the outer edge of his hips and down to the base of his cock before rubbing the neglected places in between. Severus groaned, hips rolling upward as he attempted to urge Kingsley to touch him where he needed it most, but a soft chuckle let him know he would not find release soon.

"Lift up," Kingsley said, his hands fitting beneath Severus' hips to grasp his buttocks, applying upward pressure. Severus, his breathing become more ragged as the seconds ticked by, complied eagerly, turning his head and opening his eyes again to watch Kingsley's face as his arse was kneaded, the cheeks pulled apart before being pushed back together rhythmically.

"You missed a spot."

The smirk looked all wrong on Kingsley's full lips, but Severus didn't bother to inform him of his deficiency of expression. He couldn't. Just after he spoke, Kingsley slid one finger firmly along the sensitive flesh between Severus' arse cheeks, glancing over his pucker before doubling back to circle it lightly.

"Better?"

"Ahh." Severus blew out a breath, struggling to bring order to his thoughts as sensations coursed through him. "Not entirely. I seem to have an… ache."

Touching himself was torture, especially with Kingsley watching him, his eyes darkening with desire by the moment, and his potion-coated fingers lightly stroking over Severus' arse. Suddenly, the pressure of Kingsley's fingers became firmer, pushing, pressing slowly into Severus. So slowly he felt every millimetre of the stretch.

Too slowly.

Hissing with impatience, Severus reached up, grabbing the front of Kingsley's shirt-why was he still fully clothed?-and jerked him down, satisfied to see surprise flash across Kingsley's face for a moment.

"While I appreciate your attention to detail, Auror Shacklebolt, I am a Professor of needy students, beholden to a man who has full access to every inch of this castle, and live at the sufferance of a madman who might, at any moment, send jolts of intense pain through my body on a whim. Now, I am far more skilled at the Dark Arts than you can ever hope to become, and I know enough of potions to kill you in the most miserable fashion with no one the wiser. I say all this for one reason and one only. If you don't cease your attempts to drive me insane in the next four seconds and fuck me, I will be moved to violence."

Kingsley blinked at him in shock, his mouth gaping for a moment before he swooped down and covered Severus' with it. A wriggling of the fingers in his arse made Severus' head spin with pleasure even as Kingsley's tongue swirled through his mouth. Kingsley pulled away after a long, intense moment, his breathing heavy, and said, "I've never been so turned on in my life. Who knew death threats could be so very sexy?"

Severus raised an eyebrow and dropped his gaze meaningfully to the clothing that still hid Kingsley's body from him.

With a laugh, Kingsley stood and stripped before joining Severus in the bed once more. "Just to let you know, I intend to spend much more than four seconds fucking you," he whispered, causing Severus to smirk and set a timing spell.

"We shall see."

~*~

A loud pounding broke through the tranquil atmosphere of the room, waking both men and causing them to stiffen with alarm before Severus leapt to his feet, wincing a bit before he swirled his robes around himself, buttoning up as he went to the door. From the living room, he turned back to see Kingsley hovering in the shadows of his bedroom.

"Death Eaters! In the castle. The Headmaster-"

The muffled voice coming through the thick oak of his door caused Severus' gut to clench with horror. "No. It's too soon."

A familiar hand settling onto his shoulder in an attempt to provide comfort caused Severus to whirl on Kingsley. "I cannot."

"You must." Kingsley's bearing was determined, his eyes focused on Severus even as he finished dressing. "Now, open the door and do what you must. When this is over, we'll find one another again. I promise. Go, Severus. Go help Albus. It's time."

Swallowing with difficulty, Severus motioned for Kingsley to step away from the door before opening it a crack to see Filius on the other side, the tiny man's face deathly pale even as his eyes were wide with a combination of fear and excitement.

He paused for a heartbeat before the inevitability of the situation overwhelmed him. Lifting his wand, he shouted, "Stupefy!"